Bollard Installation: A Comprehensive Guide
As a leading UK manufacturer of exterior LED lighting, we understand the importance of proper bollard installation. In this article, we will explore the three main methods of LED bollard installation: surface mount, flange plate kit, and bolt-on root mount.
Surface Mount Bollard Installation
Surface mount installation is a popular method of bollard installation due to its simplicity and versatility. This method involves securing the bollard directly onto the surface of the ground. It’s an excellent choice for existing solid surfaces like concrete or tarmac, where digging is not an option.
To install a surface mount bollard, you’ll need to drill holes into the ground surface, align the bollard’s base with these holes, and then secure it using appropriate bolts. It’s crucial to ensure the bollard is level before fully tightening the bolts (1).
Flange Plate Kit Bollard Installation
Flange plate kit installation is another common method for bollard installation. The flange plate kit combines the surface mount plate with J-bolts (‘J’ shaped bolts). This method provides a strong and sturdy installation, but it does require a flat and stable surface for the flange plate to rest on.
Similar to the surface mount bollard installation, but the difference here is there is no existing solid surface or suitable surface doe the bollard installation, so a concrete pad is created instead. During the shuttering and pouring process of concrete, the installer inserts the supplied J-bolts into the wet concrete and secures them in place (2). Once cured, the shuttering is removed, and the flange plate is slotted over the J-bolts and secured to the ground. The bollard is then installed and secured to the flange plate kit.
Bolt-on Root Mount Bolt Installation
Bolt-on root mount bollard installation incorporates two components, a 350mm root mount, and a bollard mounting plate. This method involves bolting the mounting plate to the root mount, and then embedding it directly into the ground. This is achieved by digging a hole, placing the root mount section into the hole, and then back filling it with earth or other desired ballast.
Once the hole is filled, the root mount is secured, and the bollard can then be bolted on to the surface mount flange plate which will hold the bollard firmly in place. Bolt-On Root Mount bollard installation is a great choice for soft ground surfaces like grass or soil. It provides a very secure installation, but it does require more work than the other methods.
Recessed Mount Bollard Installation
The recessed mount method involves embedding the bollard directly into the ground. This is achieved by digging a hole, placing the bollard into the hole, and then filling it with concrete. Once the concrete has set, the bollard is firmly in place.
Gemma Lighting currently do not advise using this method of installation due to the nature of the bollard acting like a straw, and through capillary action, will draw moisture in from the ground into the bollard and voiding warranty. Because we advise against this method, we have chosen to not depict it in the above illustration.
Conclusion
Choosing the right method for your bollard installation depends on several factors, including the type of ground surface, the expected traffic, and your specific needs. Whether you choose surface mount bollard installation, flange plate kit bollard installation, or bolt-on root mount bollard installation, proper installation is crucial to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your LED bollard.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority during any bollard installation process. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider hiring a professional if you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation process (3). With the right approach, your LED bollard will serve as a reliable and efficient lighting solution for many years to come.
Notes:
(1) Bolts for surface mount bollard installation not included.
(2) Template for the J-bolts installation is not included and down to the installer to create whilst shuttering the concrete.
(3) The concrete mix / ballast is normally the responsibility of the civil engineer, as they need to consider ground factor (G) as defined in PD 6547:2004, in conjunction with BS EN 40-3-1 and -3 which defines the quality of soil and its cohesive properties.